Rangers boss Michael Beale has refuted claims that the Scottish club are pursuing Millwall centre-back Jake Cooper.
When asked about a potential bid for the 27-year-old in a press conference on Friday, Beale said that the player “was not on my radar.”
Supporters on Twitter were surprised by the original links to Cooper anyway, but many feel that Beale should look to be more proactive in bringing in new signings ahead of Tuesday’s transfer deadline:
Like we need another centre half 🙈
— angus sinclair (@sinclair_angus) January 27, 2023
Can someone tell Rangers the window shuts in about 3 days please.
— Ibrox Chat (@IbroxChat) January 27, 2023
Deh want Jake Cooper there is plenty other young CBS
— Louise Wise (@LouiseW56852610) January 27, 2023
I don’t think Beale knows where we’re at with transfers, the way he’s already spoke this month suggests he definitely thought there would be a couple more in by now
— Billy Brotherston (@Bi11y04) January 27, 2023
Jake Cooper 😂
— Jenkins (@StuartJenkins89) January 27, 2023
Our board is a mess.
— Gers Man (@GersMan11) January 27, 2023
If Cooper was coming in can see King punted out on loan.
— Lord Baldy (@judgedu17) January 27, 2023
Does Jake Cooper play RW? No, so if we’re not in for Whittaker then who tf else are we in for
— . (@lnheritant) January 27, 2023
The Light Blues already have six centre-backs (if you also include James Sands) and with John Souttar close to returning to full fitness, there isn’t really a need for a player like Cooper to be brought in.
Recruiting a midfielder is believed to be the main priority before the transfer window closes, and negotiations are said to be ongoing with Standard Liege as the club try to get a deal over the line for Nicolas Raskin.